The Metropolitan Library System has been a selective depository of federal publications distributed by the Superintendent of Documents since 1974. The selected publications are provided to the library system free of charge. In order to participate in the depository library program, the library system is required to serve the government information needs of the entire 5th congressional district.

Policy

The United States Government Documents policy ensures that the Metropolitan Library System meets the government information needs of customers within the library system’s service area and the 5th congressional district by providing access to United States government documents and participating in the Federal Depository Library Program.

Regulations

1. Government documents are integrated with the rest of the materials collection and housed throughout the system as customer needs dictate and space allows.
2. Government documents are cataloged and classified according to the library system’s Cataloging and Classification policy, AM 341.
3. Government documents are selected to respond to the informational needs of the Metropolitan Library System service area and the 5th congressional district. However, no attempt is made to procure documents on an exhaustive basis because of the proximity of a regional depository library in the library system’s service area.
4. The selection of government documents is made according to the library system’s Materials Selection policy, AM 310. When a choice must be made as to format, the library endeavors to select the format allowing the greatest access to the material. No attempt will be made to collect U.S. Government procedural manuals.
5. To ensure that the selection of government documents remains actively responsive to the needs of the general public, all selections on the current active depository item profile will be reviewed annually.
6. Government documents not acquired through the depository library program may be purchased to meet the needs of customers.
7. Unsolicited gifts including mailings from congressional offices or government bodies will be considered according to the library system’s Gifts policy, AM 322.
8. Whenever possible, Materials Selection staff will obtain replacement copies for lost depository items.
9. Documents received as depository items are subject to retention and disposal regulations outlined in Instructions for Depository Libraries. Documents that do not fall under these regulations may be selected for withdrawal according to the system’s Withdrawal and Transfer policy, AM 331.
10. The quality of maintenance for government publications will be consistent with the maintenance of the library system's main materials collection.
11. This policy will be reviewed and appropriately amended to keep it current with updates of Guidelines for the Depository Library System and Instructions to Depository Libraries.